TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei has upgraded the status of the historic Kikumoto Department Store to a municipal monument, recognizing its role as Taiwan’s first department store and one of the earliest buildings in the country to feature a public elevator.

The designation was approved by the Taipei City Cultural Heritage Committee following a review of the structure, which stands at the intersection of Hengyang Road and Boai Road. The building predates the opening of the Hayashi Department Store by two days, with both launching in late November 1932. Both buildings share a similar architectural design and were among the first in Taiwan to include public elevators, per CNA.

Over the decades, the Kikumoto Department Store has undergone multiple ownership changes and renovations, including the addition of a glass curtain wall that obscured its original facade. Critics have referred to the modification as a “glass coffin,” saying it detracts from the building’s historic appearance.

Despite this, a local cultural foundation applied for historic designation at the end of 2024, prompting site visits and structural assessments by a task force. The building’s owner, Cathay Real Estate Development, has been asked to submit a revised restoration and reuse plan for further review.

The committee said the building holds significant historical value due to its pioneering role in Taiwan’s retail industry and its location on what was once one of Taipei’s most important commercial streets. At six stories, it was among the tallest buildings in the area at the time and was also used as a communications station and military outpost during World War II.

Members also highlighted its construction techniques, noting that following the Great Kanto Earthquake, the building adopted a seismic-resistant core-in-core structural system. This design reflects early earthquake-resistant engineering of the 1930s and represents a notable example of reinforced concrete high-rise construction from that era, per CNA.

Evidence presented during the review included preserved elements such as flooring, staircases, restrooms, the elevator, and structural beams. The committee also cited the building’s intangible cultural value, including its contributions to commerce, urban development, and daily life, as well as its historical role in national defense.

A representative of the descendants of founder Shigeta Eiji said the designation and planned restoration symbolize Taiwan-Japan friendship and will allow more people to learn about the site’s history.

An elderly resident from Zhudong recalled visiting the department store as a child with his teacher and riding an elevator for the first time. He said his family had carefully prepared formal clothing for the visit, underscoring the building’s significance not just as a commercial venue but as a cultural landmark in Taipei’s history.